S.Gimignano ex convent and jail - a tender notice to promote

European competition for S. Domenico, a 14th century complex

13 Marzo 2018

From a place of closure and detention to a symbol of openness
and encounter. This is the new future of the complex of San
Domenico, an ex-convent dating back to the 14th century and a
prison until 1993 in San Gimignano (Siena), a Medieval town also
known as the 'city of 100 towers', a UNESCO world heritage site
since 1990.
The project to restore and valorize the complex, which covers
10% of the historic center of the town, will be possible thanks
to the first case of implementation of cultural federalism of
state property approved with an agreement between the
municipality of San Gimignano, the culture ministry and the
Italian public property agency, Agenzia del Demanio.
Thanks to the agreement, the property of the former convent and
former jail has gone from the Demanio to the municipality and
Tuscan region that published a European call for tender to
select a private partner that will be able to give new life to
the entire complex. The tender for the project financing will
remain open until May 31 and provides for an investment of 22.3
million euros for the restoration and setting up of the complex
(info on www.comune.sangimignano.si.it). The concession will
last 70 years without license fee.
Under the project, a maximum of one-third of buildings can host
a structure for guests while the other two-thirds must be
dedicated to cultural activities like museums, exhibition
spaces, areas dedicated to conferences and congresses, the
archeological and landscape heritage and an area for events and
performances, as well as activities related to the territory's
identity and to Tuscan food and beauty products. The winner will
be selected based on the project and management proposal as well
as the solidity of the financial investment plan.